Metapontum

Metapontum or Metapontium was an ancient city of Magna Graecia, situated on the gulf of Tarentum, between the river Bradanus and the Casuentus [1]. The ruins of Metapontum are located in the frazione of Metaponto, in the comune of Bernalda, in the Province of Matera, Basilicata region, southern Italy [1]. Though Metapontum was an ancient Greek Achaean colony, various traditions assigned to it a much earlier origin [1]. At the time of the Athenian expedition to Sicily, 415 BCE, the Metapontines at first, like the other states of Magna Graecia, endeavoured to maintain a strict neutrality; but in the following year were induced to enter into an alliance with Athens [1]. It seems clear that Metapontum was at this time a flourishing and opulent city [1]. In 332 BCE, when Alexander, king of Epirus, crossed over into Italy at the invitation of the Tarentines, the Metapontines were among the first to conclude an alliance with that monarch [1]. Hence, after his defeat and death at Pandosia, 326 BCE, it was to Metapontum that his remains were sent for interment [1].